Sandwell Council has announced plans to increase council tax and garden waste collection fees to address a £17 million shortfall in its 2026/27 budget. The council intends to implement a 4.99% rise in council tax, resulting in an average Band D bill increase of £91 starting April next year. This increase solely covers Sandwell’s services and does not yet include additional precepts from the regional fire service, police, and the West Midlands Combined Authority, which could cause further hikes.
Most affected will be households in Bands A and B, which represent approximately 75% of Sandwell residents, facing rises of around £60 and £70 respectively. Garden waste collection fees will also see an increase beginning in 2027, although other council charges remain under review.
The projected council tax increase is expected to generate an additional £7 million in revenue, while the garden waste fee rise could contribute an extra £200,000. However, the council’s medium-term financial outlook remains concerning, forecasting annual budget deficits growing to nearly £50 million by 2031. Without significant changes, the deficit is projected to reach £26 million in 2027/28, escalating to £38 million in 2028/29, £43 million in 2029/30, and £48 million by 2030/31.
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To combat this fiscal pressure, Sandwell Council plans to implement cuts and savings totaling between £8 million and £10 million annually through 2031, though these measures will only modestly reduce the budget gaps. Among proposed savings is the elimination of five vacant school crossing patrol posts, replaced with permanent zebra crossings to reduce costs.
Further austerity measures include the introduction of fortnightly bin collections in September, where general waste and recycling are collected on alternating weeks instead of weekly. This change is expected to save the council £1.3 million next year.
The Sandwell Children’s Trust, responsible for running children’s services, faces a substantial £20 million deficit. The council plans to increase the value of its three-year contract using reserves to cover this shortfall.
Additionally, adult social care expenses are projected to surge by £140 million by 2031 due to inflation, population growth, and demographic shifts—factors that have already added an estimated £355 million to the council’s budget pressures.